The under-18 tournament hosted by the Manchester Magic sees teams from Spain, Switzerland and Belgium as well as the England under-18 team playing alongside Reading Rockets and two teams from the host club.

"This is the best tournament played at this time of year. It is three solid days of competition against quality opposition," said Coach Richard Parker. "To get an invite is a great testimony to the quality of our students and how far we have come in a short space of time. It is an opportunity for the boys to experience what it is like to travel, stay and live together on the road whilst focussing on the basketball tournament.

"It gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a very knowledgeable audience, which will include some scouts from Europe as well as the England Under-18 coaching staff."

The Haris Memorial Tournament is an annual event, which pays tribute to Haris Charalambous, one of the top players to come out of the Magic youth programme. Haris died suddenly while training with his NCAA Division 1 Toledo University team in America in October 2006.

Those wanting more information about the Academy should contact Richard Parker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .